Mbappe on the spot as 10-man Real Madrid wins
Kylian Mbappe converted two penalties to secure Real Madrid a 2-1 victory over Olympique de Marseille in their Champions League group stage opener despite playing the final stages with 10 men after captain Dani Carvajal was sent off.
The Santiago Bernabeu was the stage for a dramatic match, with moments of brilliance from the goalkeepers, a glaring error from a young star, and late controversy leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
Real Madrid began on the front foot, with Mbappe nearly producing a spectacular opener via a bicycle kick from inside the box that flew just wide of the post.
It was Marseille which drew first blood in the 22nd minute, however, when Timothy Weah capitalised on a costly mistake by Arda Guler.
The Turkish midfielder was dispossessed by Mason Greenwood in midfield, allowing the former Manchester United forward to thread a pass through to Weah who raced clear of the Madrid defence before smashing an unstoppable shot past Thibaut Courtois.
Marseille goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli was the standout performer in the first half, denying Madrid on 10 occasions, including a stunning one-handed save to thwart Mbappe from point-blank range.
The visitor's lead lasted only seven minutes, however, as Geoffrey Kondogbia clumsily tripped Rodrygo inside the penalty area and Mbappe equalised for the 15-time European champion.
The match took a dramatic turn in the 72nd minute when Carvajal was sent off for head-butting Rulli in a heated altercation.
Mbappe had the final word in the 87th minute, however, after substitute Vinicius Jr made a great run and the ball deflected off Facundo Medina's boot and struck the defender's outstretched arm.
"It was a difficult night, because we were down to 10 men, but we showed our Champions League spirit at the Santiago Bernabeu. We know we can win here against anyone and we're happy for the victory," Mbappe said.
"Analysing hand balls is very complicated. For me, it's a penalty, but I understand that some people don't think so. We're all confused by this rule. They said it was a penalty, I took it and I scored."
